The number of children with lead poisoning is down, but funding for the lead safety program is in danger of being cut by up to 61 percent.
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter claims the Republican Majority in the House wants to reduce lead poisoning reduction funding in 2014. Funding would go from $128 million down to $50 million nationwide.

The Rochester Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning is an education and advocacy organization. Coalition co-chair Mel Callan says this isn't the first time the program has faced these cuts.

"What's remarkable is that it's that HUD fund is what's kept the lead programs both at the city and the county going in our community. They've made remarkable progress in lowering the number of children that are lead poisoned," said Callan.

Lead poisoning is especially harmful to children. It can cause permanent damage to the brain, kidneys and nerves.

Program leaders say in order for testing to continue and numbers to stay were they are in Rochester, the HUD funding has to remain where it is.